Fox News & Transgender Phobia
The above video is a clip from Fox News America’s Newsroom from 8/13/08 discussing the recent addition of a transgender woman to America’s Next Top Model. The first transgender contestant on the show has caused quite a stir and received much attention in the news. Naturally, Fox News used the story as another opportunity to spread their hate, bigotry, and gross misconceptions about LGBT people. I’m not at all surprised at the tone of this clip, and you shouldn’t be either. However, what I’m extremely surprised by is the additional commentary by US Weekly editor, Ian Drew. Mr. Drew is a gay man himself, which of course fuels my disgust at this video. Rather than rant about Fox News and it’s continued bigotry, I am choosing to post an open letter to Mr. Drew (sent to US Weekly) which describes my problem with his appearance on the show. Watch and decide for yourself. It reads:
Dear Mr. Drew,
I recently watched you on Fox News discussing the recent news of Isis, a transgender contestant on America’s Next Top Model. I’m very troubled by some of the words and phrases you used, and also bothered by your allowance of blatantly trans-phobic comments by Greg Jarrett. As a gay man, you stood by and laughed and jeered at Isis as if she was some sideshow at a really tacky carnival you were attending. While your occupation (editor of a celeb-gossip magazine) makes me understand your need to “dish” and “gab,” I am bothered by your dismissive attitude regarding the hateful words you were present for. Commenting on Isis’ voice, genitals, and using “he” and “she” interchangeably is not humorous, it’s hateful. It spreads the homo/trans phobia that you as a gay man should be combating daily, especially given your high profile job. As a gay man, you should be completely embarrassed by your cowardly words. I’m not sure when it became appropriate for a gay man to trash transgendered people, but you should be disappointed in your contribution to such hate.
Regards,
Teddy Jay
Strange how it never seems to occur to people that a gay person could be as weirded out by a shemale as a straight person might be.
The transgenders may have attached themselves to the gay movement, but they’re really part of it. Why does it shock you that some of the gays don’t comfortably abide with their inclusion?
That should have been “The transgenders may have attached themselves to the gay movement, but they’re NOT really part of it.”
Emphasis solely to point out errata.
“shemale” ?
I’d have to disagree with the assertion that trans individuals have attached themselves to the gay movement. They were very much on the front lines of the Stonewall Riots, and we owe quite a bit to their courage and struggles. They have been included in this struggle for years and in many ways have made the most progress for the entire community.
I’m not a gay in favor of removing the T, but i know those exist. It doesn’t shock me, I just find it disgusting.
Maybe it’s just me, but the Trans issues seem different from the LGB issues. So does their outlook and lifestyles. I just don’t find it strange that a gay guy would be bothered as much as a straight on e about them.
I think the recent ENDA issues shows that LGB and T aren’t in sync.
what issues are different exactly. Fighting discrimination in employment and housing? Equal rights under the law in all areas? Hate crimes and bigotry? Seems to me our issues are quite similar. The recent ENDA issue you refer to had more to do with winning part of a war, and making an unfortunate sacrifice. It has little to do with LBG and T people in sync together. The decision of ENDA caused a gigantic uproar in the community that suggested to me, most gay, les, and bi people feel trans people should be included in this movement.
Well, Jonolan:
Maybe you need to delve into History, and read the following with your view of isolationism.
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn’t a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
As it was previously stated in this blog, most of the people who stood up and revolted at Stonewall were people of transgender experience. You need to educate yourself before you make opinions.
Nice, Renee – every read of Godwin’s Law?
gaycousinteddy,
“Fighting discrimination in employment and housing? Equal rights under the law in all areas? Hate crimes and bigotry? “
If you’re issues in common are that general, than you have the same issues as just about anyone else in the World. LOL
Look, folks – I’m just saying that people are not “of a piece” even in groups. There are gays who don’t like Trannies, trannies who don’t like gays, and so forth. It’s foolish to be shocked when someone doesn’t completely follow the manifesto as it were.
you missed my point…moving on.
Okay, so Ian Drew is uncomfortable about transpeople, probably most specifically transwomen. Just like the straight guy was, apparently.
How does that justify his disrespectful behavior?
Jeering, for crying out loud?
One can be uncomfortable about someone else without demeaning them. One can even be respectful, and listen to their side, without agreeing with it. Sometimes, horror of horrors, dialogue instead of mockery will actually make the lives of both sides better. ‘Cuz you may find out that you have things in common, and yes indeedy, the other person may actually know something you don’t, especially about themselves.
That’s called sophistication of thought.
For the sake of argument, even if indeed transgender people have different issues than LGB folks, demeaning them, or helping out those who, doesn’t clarify any issues, but it sure mires the folks who demean them as people in an intellectual muck of their own making.
The argument *should* be simple.
Do unto others.
We are, as human beings, completely obligated to have our own feelings, thoughts, and prejudices. But when you are in a position where your feelings, thoughts, and prejudices can further fuel a fire of hatred, bigotry and shame, you’d best keep your damn mouth shut.
Something that Ian Drew obviously never learned.
Maybe it’s time he learns, hm?
You go Teddy! Speaking as the mother of a gay son, I am supportive of equal rights for ALL people, including transgendered individuals. While I admit, I do not totally understand their issues, I support their equal rights and never never never should anyone be subject to hate and biogtry for any reason. We are human beings and were put on this earth by a higher power and each of us deserves respect. I am proud to be the mother of a gay son, but moreover, am proud of the man that he is!!
Love you,
Ian Drew was born Ian Maher, but he keeps editing his wikipedia page to remove this fact.
I just cant stop to read this post again and again , thank you and I bookmarked you